Spanx opens in Tampa

Spanx opening at International Plaza

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, left, looks on as Sara Blakely, center, founder of Spanx, gets help from her grandmother Morrow Ford, left, and her mom, Ellen Blakely, right, as she cuts a ribbon while Rep. Kathy Castor, far right, looks on Friday during the opening of the Spanx store. ANDY JONES/STAFF

Sara Blakely, owner of Spanx, greets Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn during the opening of the Spanx store in International Plaza. ANDY JONES/STAFF

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn greets the crowd as Sara Blakely, left, owner of Spanx, and U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor looks on Friday during the opening of the Spanx store in International Plaza. ANDY JONES/STAFF

Sara Blakely, owner of Spanx, points to old friends in a crowd as U.S. Representative Kathy Castor, background left, looks on Friday during the opening of the Spanx store at International Plaza. ANDY JONES/STAFF